The Open returns to St Andrews for the record-breaking 30th time, this time on the Old Course.

It's one of the most iconic and well-known sights in golf. However, it could prove to be a nightmare or a dream for competitors at this year's tournament.

SunSport offers a guide to the 18 holes between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Gary Player's four infamous holes are also available...

Hole 1 – Burn

Par 4 - 375 yards

It measures 129 yards in width, making it one of the largest fairways anywhere in the world.

Hole 2 - Dyke

Par 4 - 425 yards

This hole's name is derived from the stone wall, or dyke, that divides the Old Course Hotel from the 17th fairway.

Hole 3 – Cartgate (out).

Par 4 - 398 yards

This hole has only seen one eagle since 1984. Robert Gamez, 1990.

Hole 4 – Ginger Beer - Gary Player’s killer hole

Par 4 - 480 yards

This was the third most difficult green to hit in regulation (66.5%) in 2015.

GARY PLAYER Unfortunately, modern equipment allows players to play their ball over the dunes to the left of the hole. It was never intended to be that way.

It may not be so simple, as the wind forecast for the first holes is likely to blow in the faces of the players.

If you bail out left, you'll be faced with a longer second shot. This brings the deep green-side buner into play.

Go to the right. Although you are only aiming for a small strip of fairway, it provides a simpler and shorter approach.

According to my knowledge, the hole got its name from a ginger beer stall that was there around 200 years ago. That would be amazing!

Hole 5 – Hole O'Cross

Par 5 - 570 yards

Woods birdied the hole every round in 2005 when he won.

Hole 6 – Heathery (out).

Par 4 - 414 yards

Hole six has been able to score seven on five occasions. Jerry Kelly was the last to score in 2010.

Hole 7 – High (out).

Par 4 - 371 yards

The second-largest bunker on the course is the shell bunker.

Hole 8 – Short

Par 3 - 187 yards

American Ben Crenshaw won the hole at the end in one-on-eight in 1984.

Hole 9 – End

Par 4 - 352 yards

The nineth was bogey-free for the five Open champions.

Hole 10 - Bobby Jones

Par 4 - 386 yards

The combined double green and eighth measure more than 35,000 square feet.

Hole 11 (High) (In) - Gary Player’s killer hole

Par 3 - 174 yards

Since 1984, there have been two aces in this area: Tim Simpson (1990), and Daniel Brooks (2015).

GARY PLAYER This hole is a monster if you have wind. It is easy to see how it is called "the shortest par five golf hole!"

You can use any nine-iron or fairway wood. The green is narrow enough that only a very precise shot will keep it on the putting surface.

You will find the bunkers right in front of your hole. They are steep, terrifying, and so punishing you might have to go backwards.

Long drives are not easy, and this is a difficult up-and-down in golf, especially if you're trying to get back at a pin. How can you stop your ball getting back there?

Two holes are called High because they are located on elevated areas of the course. You'll also find some lows!

Hole 12 – Heathery (In).

Par 4 - 351 yards

Woods's only three-putt 2005 was at the 12th.

Hole 13 – Hole O'Cross - In

Par 4 - 465 yards

This was the most difficult fairway to hit between 2005 and 2010.

Hole 14 – Long

Par 5 - 614 yards

After going into the Hell bunker, Jack Nicklaus achieved a TEN in this area in 1995.

Hole 15 – Cartgate (In).

Par 4 - 455 yards

This hole was the only one Zach Johnson, 2015 champion, finished above par for the week. He also finished 17th and 11th.

Hole 16 Corner of the Dyke- Gary Player's Killer hole

Par 4 - 418 yards

Jordan Spieth made a 50-foot birdie putt here in 2015.

GARY PLAYER This out-of-bounds fence runs along the entire length of the hole and is in play for both the approach to the green and the tee shot.

To be a hit driver you need to be strong. Most of the field will likely take an iron off the green and lay back, unless they are trying to catch the lead or make birdies.

Although it is common wisdom to avoid trouble at St Andrews, hitting to the left on nearly every hole can cause problems. However, this policy creates three dangerous bunkers.

These are also known as the Principal's nose. If you fall into one of these traps, it is important to play sideways.

It is difficult to hit the green from far away because it is so undulating.

If you want to have a chance at making a three, then you should take on the OB.

17 - Road – Gary Player's Killer hole

Par 4 - 495 yards

In 1978, Tommy Nakajima hit a nine in this round.

GARY PLAYER This par four is the most difficult I've ever played. I'm sure there are many golfers who agree.

To reach the fairway, you must drive past the Old Course Hotel corner. Pick a letter from the large sign that best suits your shot shape and fly your ball over.

Many players will abandon their game when they reach out of bounds.

The other side of the green has a gravel road, and a brick wall. There is no relief if you end-up on either one of these.

Don't take too long with your second shot.

Once you have found the green, there are subtle slopes and borrows that you will not find on any other hole.

It's no surprise that 18 is such a difficult hole.

Hole 18 - Tom Morris

Par 4 - 356 yards

The Swilcan Bridge, which crosses the fairway, is 700-800 years old.